The Ringer NFL Show Week 18 Preview: Vikings and Lions Battle for No. 1, Coaching Carousel Predictions, and More
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Jan 3, 2025 The hosts dive into the thrilling matchup between the Vikings and Lions, a crucial game impacting the NFC playoff picture. They break down other key Sunday games, including Bucs-Saints and Broncos-Chiefs, that could shift playoff brackets. Speculations on teams in need of new head coaches heat up the discussion, alongside insights on surprising quarterback performances. The conversation wraps up with betting predictions for the weekend, revealing their favorite odds and strategies for the exhilarating finish to the NFL season.
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High Stakes Matchup
- The Vikings-Lions week 18 game has significant implications for NFC playoff seeding.
- The winner secures the number one seed and a bye, while the loser becomes the fifth seed.
Lions' Week 17 Performance
- The Lions had their second-worst game of the season, success-rate-wise, against the Vikings in week 17.
- This was largely due to their run game struggles, despite Jared Goff's strong passing performance.
Key Matchup Questions
- Since their week seven matchup, the key questions revolve around Sam Darnold's passing game improvement and the Lions' defense decline.
- The Lions' defense may rely on blitzing to create turnovers, given their weak pass rush.